Percussion-fuse for shells.



No. 805,251. PATENTED Nov. 21,1905.

. H. WILSON.

PERCUSSION FUSE PQR SHELLS. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 21, 1904.

[TR 2| STATES ATENT FFIGE.

HARRY WILSON, OF WASHINGTON, msrRrcr or COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE DRIGGS-SEABURY ORDNANOE CORPORATION, OF PHILADEL- PHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

PERCUSSION-FUSE FOR SHELLS.

Patented Nov. 21, 1905.

Application filed September 21, 1904. Serial No. 225,371.

To all rah/(int it may concern:

Be it known that I, HARRY WILsQN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Washington, in the 'Districtof Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Percussion-Fuses for Shells; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of theinvention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My present invention relates to improvements in percussion-fuses for shells, and it is intended to provide a fuse which is simple in construction, eflicient in operation, and safe against acc1dents.

The invention relates to that class of 'fuses in which the fuse is safe at all times except when the shell is spinning, but in which the parts are thrown in the operative position by, the action of centrifugal force ,due to the spinning of the shell, occasioned by the riflingof the gun. I I

My invention, will be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same parts are indicated by the same letters throughout the several views.

Figure 1 is a central longitudinal section through the shell along the line 1 1 of Fig. 2, parts bein g shown in elevation. Fig. 2 is a section along theline 2 3 of Fig. 1 and shows the segments in the closed orthe locked position. Fig. 3 is a similar sectionto F-ig. 2 and shows the locking-segments in the open or unlocked position, which position would be assumed whenthe shell was spinning. Fig.

4 shows a section along the line 4 4:ofFig. 1 and looking in thedirection of the arrows, and 'Fig. 5 isa detail showing the front face of the plunger.

A represents the fuse-stock, which is screwthreaded, a t a, is bored out as at A", preferably in the form of a cylinder, with a cy-.

lindrical lug A at thebottom of the bore. The forward portion of thebore of the fusestock is screw-threaded'as at a to receive the plug C, and is enlarged in diameter,- as at a, to form a powder-chamber for the ignition charge, and is provided with lips o to' hold the disk M in front or the powder L.

B represents the plunger, which, is provided on itsifront face with two sockets b 5, into one of which sockets projects the firing point or pin VI This plunger B is held against gitudinal groove Z), as shown in Fig. 1.

The plug O has secured thereto'a pin D, on which is pivoted the arm-e, carrying the block E, in which is mounted the primer e.

Passing through the pin D isthe bent spring d, which spring bears against the block E, tending to throw the block from the position indicated in full lines to that indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 4. The block E normally projects into the socket Z) in the front face of the plunger when the parts are in the locked position; but when the plunger B moves backward, as will be hereinafter described, the block E is released from the socket Z) and is thrown, by means of the spring d, to the position shown in 'dotted'lines in Fig. 4-. At this time the primer will be in the path of the firing-pin b and the opening 0 in the block E will register with the opening 0 in the plug O, which opening is normally closed by apiece of paper or tin-foil 0. At this time the fuse will be armed.

- Between the plunger and the plug O the coil-spring F is mounted under compression. This spring need not be of any great strength, but should have sufficient force to move the plunger and other parts rearward when the I plunger is' unlocked, as will be hereinafter described.

In rear of the plunger B, I provide two blocks H H in the form of segments of a cylinder, which blocks are recessed, as at it, to receive the springs I, mounted on the shank Iof a bolt having heads i of slightly-less diameter than the recesses hi. One of these heads, as at 2', may be made detachable and.

the other fixed, .or both may be made detachable, as may .be desired. These blocks H H are also recessed, as at It, to fit over the cylindrical lug A when the segments are in the closed position, assh'ow-n in Fig. 1, and arealso recessed, as at It, to pass rearward over the cylindrical lug A" when the segments are in .the op'en position, as shown in Fig. 3. These segments and the bolt I are mounted in a sleeve K, which is loosely assembled in the fuse-stock A. v

The operation of the device is as follows: The parts would normally be in the position shown in.Figs. l and 2; but when the gun is fired the shell will be spun up by the rifiing,

which will cause the segments H H to be lhis will cause the cut-away portions 71 of these segments to" clear the outer edge of the cylindrical lug A, and the plunger Band the sleeve K,'with the parts contained therein,

. will slide backward, due to inertia, and supplethe chamber A in the fuse-stock.

mented by the positive action of the coilspring F until arrested by the rear face a of As the plunger recedes it will release the block E, causing the spring d to throw the block over to the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 4, 'as hereinbefore described, and on striking the target .the plunger will fiy'forward, exploding the primer and setting fire to the ignition charge. It will be seen that the fuse cannot be fired by any accident until the shell is spinning rapidly and that the two segments H H serve as a double 'lock. to keep'the plunger in the forward position, while the primer cannot be fired until the plunger has been forced rearward, which can only take place-when the shell is spinning. Itv will also he noted that on striking the target not only will the whole weight of the plunger be thrown against the primer, but the weight of the sleeve K and the segments H'H will supplement the weight of the plunger-and all these parts will serve as a hammer in exploding the primer.

The purpose of the sleeve K is not only for convenience in assembling the parts, but also to permit the segments U H to be moved backward in the fuse-stock without requiring toomuch force. The outer surface of the sleeve slid es freely in the fuse-stock, and when the shell is spinning rapidly the movable segments H H are held with considerable force against the inner surface of the sleeve IQbut do not materially affect the friction between.

the sleeve K and the fuse-stock, whereas if these segments H H engaged directly with the inner surface of the fuse-stock excessive friction would be set up, preventing the movement to the rear of the segments and of the plunger.

Various changes in the construction, combination, and arrangement of parts might be made which could be used without-departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-- 1. In a fuse, the combination with a'plunger, provided-with an eccentric tiring-pin, a block carrying the primer normally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, means 'for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firingpin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described.

2; In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and a spring engaging the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

3. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric tiring-pin, aplug secured in the fuse-stock and perforated. in front of said firing-pin, a block carrying the primer pivoted to said plug, and normally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said tiring-pin, .means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block,

and for releasing the plunger, controlled by i the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described.

4:. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a plug secured in the fuse-stock and perforated in frontof said firing-pin, a block carrying the primer pivoted to said plug, and normally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, andfor releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and a spring: connected to the primer-block for moving the primer in front of the tiring-pin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described.

5. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a plug secured in the fuse-stockand perforated in front of said firing-pin, a block carrying the primer pivoted to said plug, and normally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said firing-pm, means for normally holding and for releasing the plunger, controlled by 'theplunger in engagement with said block,

the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released,-and a spring engaging'the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

6. .In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a block carrying the priinernormally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said liring-pin, spring -compressed segments normally holding the "plunger in engagement with said block, but releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of'the firing-pin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described,

7. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, spring compressed segments n or' mally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, but releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and a spring engaging the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw'the primer in front of the firing-pin whenthe plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

8. In a fuse, the combination with a plun ger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a

'block carryingthe primer normally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, and forreleasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, a coil-spring'mounted in front of said plunger and moving same to the rear when released, and means for movingthe primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described. I

9. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, a coil-spring mounted in front of said plunger and moving same to-the reai when released, and a spring engaging the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially asdescribed.

10. In a fuse, the combination with a plumger, provided with a firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normally engaging the front of said plunger eccentric to said firingpin, means for normally holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, and for -releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plun--- ger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved forward, substantialiy as described.

11. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with two recesses in its front face, and a firing-pin projecting into one of said recesses, a block carrying the primer normally engaging in the second recess in the rout of said plunger eccentric to said firingpin, means for normally holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled by the spin-ning of theshell, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and a spring engaging the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

12. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with two recesses in its front face, and a firing-pin projecting into one of said recesses, a plug-secured in the fuse-stock and perforated in front of said firing-pin, a block carrying the primer pivoted to said plug, and normally engaging the second -re-" cess in the front of said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, con- .trolledby the spinning-of the shell, means for moving the'plunger to the rear when released,

and normally engaging in the" second recess in the front of said plunger eccentricto said firingpintnmeans for,normally holding the plunger, for ard in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger,controlled by the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and a spring connecting to the primer-block for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin -.when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described.

14:. In a fuse, the combination with aplunger, provided with two recesses in its front face, and a firing-pin. projectinginto one of said recesses, a plug secured in the fuse-steel; and perforated in front of said firing-pin, a block carrying the primer pivoted to said plug,

and normally'engaging in the second recess in the front of said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger,controlled by the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger to the-rear when released, and a spring engaging the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

'15. In a fuse, the combinationywith a plunger provided with a firing-pin and a recess eccentric to said pin, of a block carrying the primer normally 'ehgaging in said recess, means for normally holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, a coil-spring mounted in front of said plunger and moving same to the 5 rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described.

16. In a fuse, the combination with a plun- 1o ger, provided with a firing-pin and a recess eccentric to said .pin, of a block carrying the primer normally engaging in said recess, means for normally holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, a coil-spring mounted in front of said plunger and moving same to the rear when released, and a spring engaging the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

17. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with a firing-pin and a recess eccentric to said pin, of a block carrying the primer normally engaging in said recess,means ..for normally holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning'of 0 the shell, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described. 5 18. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with a' firing-pin and 'a recess eccentric to said pin, of a block carrying the primer normally engaging in said recess,means for normally holding the plunger forward in 40 engagement with said block, andfor releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinningof the shell, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and a spring engagingthe block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described. 1

19. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with a firing-pin and a recess eccentric to said pin, of a plug secured in the fuse-stock and perforated in front of said liring-pin, a block carrying the primer pivoted to said plug, and normally engaging in said recess, means for normally holding the plungei' forward in engagement with said block, andfor I'Glv-willg the'pluuger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described.

20. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with a firing-pin and a recess e'c- I centric thereto, of a block carrying the primer if, normally engaging in said recess, spring-compressed segments normally holding the plunger forward in engagement with said, block, but releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, means for moving the plungerto the rear when released. and a spring engagingthe block carrying the primer, and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

21. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with a firing-pin and a recess eccentric thereto, of a block carrying the primer normally engaging in said recess, spring-compressed segments normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, but releas- 8o ing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, means-for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved-rearward, substantially as described.

22. In a fuse, thecombination with a plunger, provided with a firing-pin anda recess eccentric thereto, of a block carrying the primer normally engaging in said recess, spring-compressed segments normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, but releasingsaid plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, a coil-spring under compression mounted in front of said 5 plunger for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described.

23. In a fuse, thecombination with-a plunger, provided with a firing-pin, a block carry ing the primer normally held eccentric to 'said firing-pin, spring-compressed segments normal-1y holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, but releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when no the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described.

24. .In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with a firing-pin, a block carry ing the primer normally held eccentric to said I i5 firing-pin. spring-compressed segments normally holding the plunger forward in engage uieut with said block, but releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, a coil-spring under compression mount- I2 ed in front of said plunger for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the liringpin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially as described.

In a fuse, the combination with a'phinger, provided with a firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normallyheld eccentric to said i firing-pm, s wing-compressed segments norl mally holding the plunger forward in engage- 3 block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in frdnt of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

26. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with a firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normally held eccentric to said firing-pin, spring-compressed segments normally holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, but releasing said .plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, a coil-spring under compression mounted in front of said plunger for moving the' plunger to the rear when released, and a spring engaging the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

27. In a fuse, the combination with a fusestock having a boss or lug projecting inwardly from the base thereof, of a plunger, provided with a firing-pin and'a recess eccentric thereto, a block carrying the primer normally en-- gaging in said. recess, spring-compressed segments normally engaging the boss in the fusestock and holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, but clearing said boss and releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, means for moving the plunger to the. rear when released, and aspring engaging the block carrying the primer, and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

28. In a fuse, the combination with a fusestock having a boss or lug projecting inwardly from the base thereof, of a plunger, provided with a tiring-pin and a recess eccentric thereto,

a block carrying the primer normally engag-.

ing in said recess, spring-compressed segments normally engaging the boss in the fuse-stock and holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, but clearingsaid boss and releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved rear-- ward, substantially as described.

29. In a fuse, the combination with a fuse stock having a boss or lug projecting inwardly from the base thereof, of a plunger, provided with a firing-pin and a recess eccentric thereto, a block carrying the primer normally engaging in said recess, spring-compressed segments normally engaging the boss in the fuse-stock and holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, but clearing said boss and releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, acoil-spring under compression mounted in front of said plunger for moving the plunger to therear when released, and means for moving the, primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved rearward, substantially-as described.

30. In a fuse, the combination with a fuse stock having a boss or lug projecting inwardly from the base there f, of a plunger, provided with a firing-pin and a recess eccentric thereto, a block carrying the primer normally engaging in said recess, spring-compressed segments normally engaging the boss in the fuse-stock and holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, but clearing said boss and releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, means for moving the plunger to the rear when-released, and means for moving the primer in-front of the firing-pin when the. plunger is moved rear ward, substantially as described.

31. In a fuse, the combination with afusestock having a boss or lug projecting inwardly from the base thereof, of a plunger provided with a firing-pin, a block carrying thepr-imer thrown outw-ard by centrifugal force, a coilspring under compression mounted in front of said plunger for moving the, plunger to the rear when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the fi ing-pin when the plunger is moved rearwar substantially as described.

32. In a fuse, the combination with a fusestock having a boss or lug projecting inwardly from the base thereof, of a plunger provided with a firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normally held eccentric to said 'firing-pin, spring-compressed segments normally engaging the boss or lug in the fuse-stockand holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, but releasing said plungerwhen thrown outward by centrifugal force, means for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and a spring engaging'theblook carrying the' primer and adapted to throw the a primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved to the rear, substantially as described.

33. In a fuse, the combination with a fusestock having a boss or lug projecting inwardly from the base thereof, of a plunger provided with a firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normally held eccentric to said firing-pin, spring-compressed segments normally'engaging the boss or lug in the fuse-stock and holding the plunger forward in engagement with said block, but releasing said plunger when thrown outward by centrifugal force, a coilspring under compression mounted in front of said plunger for moving the plunger to the rear when released, and a spring engaging the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved'to the rear, substantially as described.

34. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a block carrying a primer normally engaging said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger controlled by the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger longitudinally of the shell when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firingpin when the plunger is moved, substantially as described.

35; In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normally engaging said plunger eccentricto said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with saidblock, and for releasing the plunger controlled by the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger when released, and a spring engaging theblock carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved, substantially as described. 36. In a fuse, the combination of a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a plug secured in the fuse-stock and perforated opposite said firing-pin, a block carrying the primer pivoted to said plug, and normally engaging said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding theplunger in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, means foTmoving the plunger when released, and means for moving the primer in front of the firing-pin when the plunger is moved, substantially as described.

37; In a fuse, the combination of a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a plug secured in the fuse-stock and perforated opposite said firing-pin, a block carrying the primer pivoted to said plug, and normally engaging said plunger eccentric to said firingpin, meansfor normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, and for releasing the ]plunger, controlled by the spinning of: the shell, means for moving the plunger longitudinally of the shell when released,

and a spring connected to the primer-block for moving the primer in front of the firingpin when the plunger is moved, substantially as described.

38. In a fuse, thecombination of a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a plug secured in the fuse-stock and perforated opposite said firing-pin, a block carrying the primer pivoted to said plug, and normally en gaging said plunger eccentric to said firingpin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger controlled by the spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger longitudinally of the shell when released, and a spring engaging the block carrying the primer and adapted to throw the primer in line with the firing-pin when theplunger is moved, substantially as described.

39. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin, a block carrying the primer normally engaging said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled by the spinning of the shell, a coil-spring for said plunger and moving the same when released, and means for alining the primer with the firing-pin when the plunger is moved, substantially as described.

40. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with an eccentric firing-pin,..a block carrying a primer normally engaging said plunger eccentric to said firing-pin, means plunger, controlled by the spinning of theshell, a coil-spring for said plunger and moving the same longitudinally of the shell when released, and aspri'ng engaging the block carrying the-primer and. adapted. to aline the primer with the firing-pin when the plunger is moved, substantially as described.

41. In a fuse, the combination with a plunger, provided with a tiring-pin, a block carrying the primer normally engaging said plunger, eccentric to said firing pin, means for normally holding the plunger in engagement with. said block, and for releasing the plunger, controlled bythe spinning of the shell, means for moving the plunger longitudinally of the shell when released, and means for valining the primer with the firing-pin when HARRY WILSON.

Witnesses:

GEO. A. BYRNE, J. STEPHEN (JiIUSTA. 

